Folk-inspired four-piece Potato release their debut EP Stew.
Starting life from very humble beginnings, Potato was the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Bob Corduroy. Voice notes and loops recorded in his bedroom started the journey to what is now a genre-bending quartet, under the guise of East London label Mookin.
Opening track Roll instantly relaxes, with its shuffling beats and warm and flickering vocals. The EP progresses with two piano-led interludes that further cement the relaxing feel to this debut EP.
Multi-instrumentalist Corduroy explains that many of the tracks on the record began life as hummed voice memos.
This is no more evident than on Alright. With uplifting and enlightening melodies throughout, toe-tapping is hard to resist. The lyrics pull away from the upbeat feel of the song at times, “And everything is starting to look alright, but it didn’t really work out,” which perfectly documents Corduroy’s experience of a failed relationship.
Post-Potato Reprise sees the vulnerability continue and documents perhaps the most dreamy and soothing song on the record. This is achieved by the talent and vision of the entire band, consisting of drummer, Sam Zissou, bass and percussionist Matt Wildman, guitarist Sam Honey and lead vocalist Bob Corduroy.
Corduroy explains how the band dynamic was always very important to him, “I always wanted it to be a band.” He continues to explain the difficulties faced during the bands inception. “In the early days, we had a bass player who hated jamming so much that my songs had to lead the way, whereas we’re definitely moving more towards an exchange of ideas”.
Final offering 2K22, as the name suggests, takes a trip back in time. “You know just what I need/I think I’m on my knees”, Corduroy expressively evokes. Perhaps again, referring to a lost love. The dancing and shimmering vocal continues to impress as it has done throughout the EP.
An emotional and relaxing EP which enables you to switch off from surroundings and engage in the music.
7/10
Standout Tracks: Post Potato Reprise, Alright, 2K22.
Written by: Ben Gilligan
